Insider: Nothing goes according to plan for the Colts in snowy Buffalo

Stephen Holder and Gregg Doyel discuss how the Indianapolis Colts fell to the Buffalo Bills 13-7 in overtime.
Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts center Anthony Fabiano (61) prepares to snap the football to quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017.(Photo: Matt Kryger/IndyStar)

Story Highlights

Speed and quickness must be accompanied by precision and accuracy in one’s steps, cuts and distances. Without the latter, the former becomes moot.

But try telling that to Indianapolis Colts tight end Brandon Williams after playing in one of the most outrageous and daunting football environments you’ll ever see.

The Colts’ 13-7 overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills amid a swirling and ceaseless snowstorm, was not exactly a clinic in proper football technique. (Nor was it a coaching or officiating clinic. More on that later.)

Technique can typically be the difference between a play’s success or failure. But on this day, it probably would have landed you on your rear end.

Improvisation ruled this day at New Era Field, in a game punctuated by midfield snow angels from Bills players and snowball tosses from fans after running back LeSean McCoy’s game-winning touchdown in overtime.

“Technique just goes out the window,” tight end Brandon Williams said. “You just try to get open and catch the ball. It was so slippery. You just hope they fall before you do.”

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) drops back to pass to tight end Jack Doyle (84) against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) takes a pass downfield against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

A Buffalo Bills fan shows his support in the snow in the game against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts strong safety Matthias Farley (41) intercepts a pass late in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) takes a pass from quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) into the end zone against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) gets the corner and first down against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Field crew members use a timeout to remove snow from the field in the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts players try to stay warm next to a couple heaters along the sideline in the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) kicks a game-tying extra point against the Buffalo Bills late in the fourth quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) slips after a long gain against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Field crew members work to clear snow from the yard markers before the Indianapolis Colts game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

The Buffalo Bills defense stands up Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) after a short gain in the second quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard (93) and defensive back Kenny Moore (42) celebrate a third down stop against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo (74) heads to the line of scrimmage against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (52) and the rest of the defense celebrates a fumble recovery against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

A field crew member uses a timeout to remove snow from the field in the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) hands off to running back Frank Gore (23) against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts center Anthony Fabiano (61) prepares to snap the football to quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) drops back to pass to tight end Jack Doyle (84) against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) breaks off a long run against the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts defensive back Kenny Moore (42) lines up across from Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) in the second quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Buffalo Bills quarterback Nathan Peterman (2) bobbles a snap early in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) heads back to the huddle after a short run against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) gets a first down against the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar, Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) breaks off a long run against the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) gets a first down but slips shortly after against the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) lines up in a tunnel before heading onto the field to take on the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

A field crew member removes snow from the field during a change of possession in the third quarter in the game against the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) finds a hole in the Buffalo Bills' defensive line in the third quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) celebrates a touchdown with teammates against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts players work to remove snow from the path of kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) late in the game against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) points left after kicking a game-tying extra point against the Buffalo Bills late in the fourth quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) drops back to pass late in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) scrambles for a first down late in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) gets the football down into the red zone against the Buffalo Bills late in the fourth quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) breaks off a long run against the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Johnathan Hankins (95) is helped off the field in the game against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) misses a game winning field goal late in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. Matt Kryger/IndyStar

As the Colts’ passing game was restricted to more or less horizontal pass attempts, the tight ends took on greater prominence. Williams’ route running, such as it was, suffered. A quick out, which might require a break toward the sideline after a specific number of steps and yards, became something much less sophisticated.

“Your stride is totally off and you couldn’t see the ground,” Williams said. “You could barely tell where you were at on the field.”

So it went on Sunday. The long days and countless, sleepless hours of preparation that precede every NFL football game was rendered useless.

The Colts (3-10), who had intended to use a number of offensive formations that would spread the field, had to morph – on the fly – into a 1940s-era football team. They ran the ball on their first 17 plays from scrimmage. Running back Frank Gore, who had a career-high 36 carries (for 130 yards), had 15 of them.

“It’s just totally different plays completely,” Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo said. “In a normal situation, (the defense) would be threatened by the pass and we’d have a lot more wide receivers on the field and we could do more. But we had to just load up and go man-on-man and put a lot of guys in there and try to move them off the ball. That’s it.”

The close proximity of all the players, coupled with the likelihood of falling, squarely, on one’s face, forced everyone into a constant state of adaptation.

“You just had to figure it out,” Castonzo said. “I was doing things that you were taught to never do, just to keep your feet underneath you.”

On defense, the challenges were similar.

Defensive coaches called “what gives guys the best chance to keep the ball in front of you and (maintain) gap integrity so you’re not chasing and making hard cuts in this stuff,” coach Chuck Pagano said.

In the second half, when the snowfall slowed, the Colts and Bills played a somewhat more conventional style.

Trailing 7-0, the Colts embarked on a 19-play scoring drive then attempted a 2-point conversion for the win. A completion to tight end Jack Doyle touched off a wild celebration by Colts players, until they noticed the late penalty flag. After a conference among the officials, receiver Kamar Aiken was called for offensive pass interference – a call he vehemently denied after the game.

Aiken said he blocking was within a yard of the line of scrimmage, which would make contact with a defender legal.

“(The defender) was in press (coverage),” Aiken said. “It’s almost impossible to block him into the end zone if he’s in press. They said I drove him into the end zone. I didn’t.”

Replays showed the call was questionable, at best. The penalty pushed the ball back to the 12-yard line and the Colts opted for a harrowing 43-yard extra-point attempt from Adam Vinatieri, which he converted.

With the score tied 7-7, Buffalo took possession with 1:08 left but backup quarterback Joe Webb promptly threw an interception to Matthias Farley. After advancing the ball to the Buffalo 25, the Colts looked like they were headed for a victory. That is, until Pagano inexplicably let the clock run from about 48 seconds to seven, forcing Vinatieri into a 43-yard attempt but not on the right hashmark where the kicker had requested it. (The Colts had cleared snow in that area from his previous extra point.)

Vinatieri missed and the Colts lost in overtime. The Colts could have taken a shot or two at the end zone or, at minimum, had quarterback Jacoby Brissett run the ball and dive at the right hashmark.

Pagano offered no defense, perhaps because the blunder was indefensible.

“We had time to get another play called. I screwed it up,” Pagano said. “It’s on me. That’s the bottom line. We had to kick from the middle and try to move a bunch of snow around from that spot. That’s not on Vinny. That’s on me.”

The conditions were challenging enough. The last thing the Colts needed was to make it tougher on themselves.

Perhaps the ending was fitting for a game where nothing – from route running to run blocking – went according to plan.